Emery explain Arsenal Dubai trip, training and fixture schedule

Arsenal boss Unai Emery is hoping Arsenal’s trip to Dubai for warm-weather training, as well as a match against Al-Nasri Dubai SC, will break up their usual routine.

The Gunners do not play another match for two-and-a-half weeks after Thursday’s crunch last-16 Europa League clash with Rennes, so have decided to head to the Middle East.

Emery’s side were due to travel to Molineux on March 17 but that match has been postponed due to Wolves’ FA Cup quarter-final with Manchester United the same weekend.

With the international break taking place after this weekend’s action, it means Arsenal’s next match after Rennes is not until Monday April 1 when they host Newcastle.

Emery has therefore decided to take the squad away to Dubai for some warm-weather training, granting some respite from a demanding schedule that has seen the side play 15 times in 2019 already – with another game to come on Thursday.

Arsenal will travel to Dubai during the international break, with a match against Al-Nasr taking place on Tuesday March 26 – meaning some players could still be with their countries and will have to report for duty later in the week.

Speaking about the decision, Emery said:

‘It will be great to get some warm weather training and break up the usual routine as we enter the final stage of the season.

‘The facilities in Dubai are fantastic and it will be an honour to be part of the formal opening ceremony for the new stadium.’

The Gunners will use the five-day trip to prepare for facing Newcastle, while they will also hope to have a Europa League quarter-final to look forward to if they can pull off a stunning comeback at the Emirates.